Most people think of fried chicken, barbecue or maybe some sweet tea when they hear the word ‘Southern food.’ There’s more to Southern food than what you know. Some of the best foods in the South happen to be the least known. These recipes are basic but they’re loaded with flavor, tradition & a bit of Southern charm. From savory comfort foods to special treats and desserts, these overlooked Southern foods should be on your plate.
Featured Image Credit: Andrea Piacquadio /Pexels.com.
Fried Green Tomatoes
These mini bites are relatively simple, but quite delicious. Green tomatoes are cut up, rolled in cornmeal and fried to crisp. They are tangy, crispy, and great with a little hot sauce or ranch dressing. They’re all over the South, though they are not very popular elsewhere.
Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese, the “caviar of the South,” is a spread consisting of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and sliced pimentos. It’s creamy, tangy and pungent. It is delicious on crackers, in a sandwich, or as a dip for veggies. Pimento cheese is versatile and can easily jazz up a meal or snack.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Hoppin’ John
This is a classic Southern comfort dish made with black-eyed peas, rice and ham or bacon. Hoppin’ John, cooked with onions, garlic and some spice, is a particularly popular New Year’s nudge. It’s filling, easy to prepare and the flavors come in layers made with common ingredients.
Boiled Peanuts
Boiled peanuts might look odd to the outsider. They’re simmered in salt water to make them soft and creamy. You can buy them fresh off roadside stalls throughout the South, particularly during summer. They’re salty, slightly gooey and have a strangely addictive taste.
Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy
People typically associate biscuits with sausage gravy but in some areas of the South, chocolate gravy is a favorite. Chocolate gravy, which is prepared from cocoa powder, sugar and milk, is delicious and sweet. It’s served over soft biscuits, creating a dessert-like breakfast that’s both comforting and decadent.
Brunswick Stew
Brunswick stew is a stew that’s thick and delicious and includes meat (usually pork or chicken), tomatoes, corn and lima beans. The flavors merge during slow cooking — making it a rich meal for cold weather. It’s an old Southern staple that people love to share. Though popular in the South – it is not so popular elsewhere.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are a South classic, often made with smoked meats such as ham hocks for extra flavor. They’re cooked low and slow until they are just soft, and have a little bit of a nutty, malty bite that goes well with cornbread. Collard greens may be dense in nutrients, but they don’t always get all the credit they deserve.
Tomato Pie
This isn’t your average pie. Tomato pie is a savory pie made from tomatoes that are fresh, mayonnaise, cheese and crust. The tomatoes become tender after baking, and the cheese turns into a cream sauce. It’s the perfect tangy, sweet dish, and especially delicious when you make it with summer tomatoes.
Chess Pie
Chess pie is a simple custard dessert that consists of sugar, butter, eggs and a pinch of cornmeal. It has a crispy crust and a chewy center — just pure sweetness with no fancy decoration. Although pecan and pumpkin pies are usually more popular, chess pie is an original Southern dessert everyone can appreciate.
Okra Fritters
Okra’s usually criticized for being a slimy vegetable – but fried into fritters – it’s another matter. With cornmeal and spices, okra fritters are crisp and soft in the center. They’re a good appetizer or side dish and don’t have the sliminess people hate about okra.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Read More:
